A View from the Bridge By Arthur Miller
Justin Audibert and Kathy Bourne Photograph by Peter Flude
Festival 2023 Welcome to the final Festival Theatre production of 2023: our co-production with Headlong, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Rose Theatre of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge. It’s hard to believe that in over 60 years of presenting great plays from the world stage, Chichester Festival Theatre has never previously produced a play by this titan of 20th century American drama. Miller’s plays – which also include The Crucible, Death of a Salesman and All My Sons – are, by any yardstick, among our greatest and most timeless masterpieces; so we’re happy to finally rectify that omission. It's a pleasure to be collaborating once again with Headlong. Our relationship with this tirelessly inventive company began with Rupert Goold’s production of Six Characters in Search of an Author in 2008, since when our association has included the premiere of Lucy Prebble’s ENRON in 2009; the revival of James Graham’s This House in 2016; and the premieres of Deborah Bruce’s
The House They Grew Up In in 2017 and Cordelia Lynn’s Hedda Tesman in 2019. We’re delighted to be welcoming Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan back to Chichester; and to be working for the first time with our producing partners Octagon Theatre Bolton and Rose Theatre. We’re also delighted to welcome back several members of the cast who’ve appeared here recently (Kirsty Bushell in King Lear, Rachelle Diedericks in Our Generation and Jonathan Slinger in Crave), and to greet those making their debuts here. Following A View from the Bridge and the final Minerva Theatre production of Festival 2023, Harry Davies’s The Inquiry, our Winter season gets into full swing with a packed programme of classic dramas, sparkling comedies and family entertainment. Thank you for all your support over Festival 2023; we hope you enjoy today’s performance and to see you again soon.
Justin Audibert Artistic Director
Kathy Bourne Executive Director
A Voyage Round My Father By John Mortimer
Festival Theatre 7 – 11 November Tickets from £10 Book at cft.org.uk
Rupert Everett and Julian Wadham star in John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play about the delicate relationship between a young man and his father, a brilliant and eccentric barrister, directed by Richard Eyre.
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‘Breath-taking. Roar it out: this is a hit’ Sunday Times
Life of Pi Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti from the novel by Yann Martel Festival Theatre 16 November – 2 December Tickets from £10 Book at cft.org.uk
Winner of five Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards, this five-star ‘theatrical phenomenon’ (Telegraph), directed by Max Webster, is the hugely popular story of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Ages 8+
Asphaleia Asphaleia is an organisation located in Worthing which offers young people a place of safety, supporting and encouraging those that need their services. CFT has been working in partnership with Asphaleia since 2018, delivering weekly sessions for young unaccompanied asylum seekers based in West Sussex. Recently, Poppy Marples and Jess Smith, our experienced theatre practitioners, have led a programme of dynamic, creative and nurturing workshops with these inspiring young people. Focusing on wellbeing and arts skills such as puppetry and physical theatre, the workshops also support the young people in learning English. These sessions enable them to make friends, develop confidence
socially, and build skills. We currently work with 24 young people who are also completing a Bronze Arts Award. ‘The sessions with Asphaleia are always full of lots of laughter and provide a safe space for the young people to develop their skills. When I look back to our first session with this year’s cohort compared to now, the difference in their confidence, social and language skills is just incredible. I’m so proud of them all and it’s been a joy and privilege to work with them this year.’ Poppy Marples, Lead Practitioner
In July we welcomed 17 of the Asphaleia group – including unaccompanied young people from Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia – for a fun-packed day at CFT. Starting with a backstage tour, they enjoyed a certificate of achievement presentation and games on the park before watching a matinee of The Sound of Music. For almost all the participants it was their first time in a theatre.
In the young people’s own words: ‘I will never forget this day. It will be in my mind for ever.’ ‘Drama has helped me learning English, respecting each other and feeling strong in my mind.’ ‘Sometimes I am angry because I miss my family, Poppy asks how I feel and talking helps, drama makes me feel better.’ ‘I am proud we have learnt all together and enjoyed no matter what country.’
Discover new foodie experiences Christmas food & drink
Dine with friends
In the Minerva Bar, we’re changing it up with truly scrumptious Afternoon Teas and in The Brasserie a new family friendly bistro style menu, bursting with local ingredients and epic desserts. Children can enjoy half portions of firm family favourites like posh fish & chips, burgers and, of course, turkey with all the trimmings. Yum!
If you’re looking for a great spot to dine with your theatre pals, look no further than The Brasserie. Fantastic food featuring local, seasonal ingredients plus à la carte options, top notch service and excellent wine. It also happens to be the closest restaurant to the Theatre so there’s no need to rush to catch the overture.
In the Café on the Park we’ll have mince pies, and we can’t wait for the smell of mulled apple juice from The Bar (extra shots of festive cheer available!).
Like some more? Pop in for pizza, cracking cakes and barista coffee from the Café on the Park, where you'll also find free WiFi and family-friendly books, toys and beanbags.
For the full menu of food and drink, visit cft.org.uk/eat, email dining@cft.org.uk or call 01243 782219.
A View from the Bridge By Arthur Miller